Optimizing performance of plasmonic devices for photonic circuits

Tiberiu Rosenzveig, University of Iceland
Petur Gordon Hermannsson, University of Iceland
Alexandra Boltasseva, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Kristjan Leosson, University of Iceland

Abstract

We demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating thermo-optic plasmonic devices for variable optical attenuation and/or low-frequency (kHz) signal modulation. Results of finite-element simulations and experimental characterization of prototype devices indicate that a plasmonic device can reach specifications similar to or better than commercially available thermo-optic integrated optical components. Specifically, we have considered the insertion loss, power consumption, footprint, polarization-dependent loss, extinction ratio, and frequency response of the plasmonic devices, in addition to fabrication and material-related issues. The most serious fabrication challenge is to realize metallic nanowire waveguides with a sufficiently accurate cross-section to ensure low polarization-dependent loss at high extinction ratios.

Discipline(s)

Engineering | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology